A new piece of street art featuring Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz appeared seemingly out of nowhere on the side of a bar, causing quite the stir among residents hoping it was the handiwork of the enigmatic Banksy.
The artwork, which depicts Dorothy reaching for a pair of shiny red shoes suspended on a wire, left Birmingham locals buzzing with excitement due to its resemblance to the iconic style of the UK’s most elusive artist. Phil Oldershaw, proprietor of the Sidewalk bar where the mural materialised, spoke of the considerable excitement surrounding the discovery and his determination to preserve the piece regardless of its origins.
Phil recounted rushing to view the mural after being tipped off about its sudden appearance, reports the Mirror. He previously said: “We don’t know where it’s come from. It wasn’t there when the manager locked up last night. It’s still a mystery.”
Furthermore, he stated his intention to safeguard the artwork, saying: “I’ve asked our maintenance team to go and cover it in perspex – I’m going to protect it whether it’s Banksy or not.”
However, hopes were dashed when Banksy’s representatives confirmed to Birmingham Live the mural was not created by the artist. The team’s response was brief and to the point: “This work is not by the artist Banksy.”
(Image: Jacob King/PA)
The true creator of the Dorothy mural remains a mystery. Banksy’s latest confirmed piece of art was discovered on a building in Finsbury Park, north London, back in March.
The elusive artist last graced Birmingham with in 2019, when he left an impactful mural in the Jewellery Quarter. The mural depicted two reindeers in full sprint, serving as a powerful commentary on homelessness – but it was defaced within hours of its unveiling with the reindeers being sprayed to sport red noses.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Since then, Banksy held his Cut & Run show at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). The artist said the traffic cone which famously sits on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the venue was what drew him to exhibit there.
Our sister title the Sunday Mail reported Glasgow City Council had kept the exhibition secret for three years while staff assessed proposals, with dozens working at arm’s-length body Glasgow Life forced to keep the event under wraps or faced breaching the legal orders.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.